Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

4875

Rory A. Pfund

Date

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Psychology

Concentration

General Psychology

Committee Chair

Andrew W Meyers

Committee Member

Kenneth D Ward

Committee Member

James P Whelan

Abstract

The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for disordered gambling is limited by clients' failure to complete homework assignments. Widespread growth in smartphone application (app) software provides the potential to enhance the completion of homework. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a smartphone app was an acceptable, feasible, and efficacious means to complete homework in CBT for disordered gambling. Participants were 10 treatment-seeking gamblers who complete homework using an app, a historical sample of 10 treatment-seeking gamblers, matched on therapist, who completed homework using hardcopy assignments, and four therapists. Both clients and therapists found the app acceptable. Clients using an app completed more homework assignments than clients using hardcopy assignments. The reduction in disordered gambling symptoms was equal using the app and hardcopy assignments. Discussion focused on the pros and cons of the app. Future research should investigate the incorporation of apps into CBT while considering clients' preferences.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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